Pench National Park, spread across Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, is one of Central India’s finest tiger habitats. Known for excellent sighting records, teak forests, and the legacy of Collarwali (the Supermom Tigress), Pench is also globally famous as the landscape that inspired Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book.
This Pench Tiger Reserve Travel Guide for First-Timers (2025) details how to reach, safari zones, best season, booking process, prices, stay options, and practical tips.
About Pench National Park
- State(s): Madhya Pradesh (Core + Buffer) & Maharashtra (Buffer + adjoining protected areas)
- Core Area (Madhya Pradesh): 411 km²
- Buffer Area (MP): 768 km²
- Total MP Tiger Reserve Area: 1179 km²
- Maharashtra Pench Areas: Sillari, Khursapar & Paoni Ranges (part of Pench Tiger Landscape)
- River: Pench River divides the park into east and west sections
- Famous Tigress: Collarwali (T-15) – recorded to have raised 29 cubs
How To Reach Pench National Park (2025)
Nearest Airport to Pench National Park
| Airport | Distance to Turia Gate | Notes |
| Nagpur Airport (NAG) | ~90 km | Closest & best connected |
| Jabalpur Airport | ~200 km | Ideal for Pench–Kanha trip |
Nagpur is the preferred airport for all Pench gates.
Reaching Pench from Major Cities
Nagpur → Pench National Park
- Distance: 85–110 km (depending on gate)
- Time: 2–2.5 hours
- Route: Nagpur → Mansar → Khawasa → Turia Gate
- Cab Fare: INR 2,500–INR 3,200 (sedan) | INR 3,500–INR 4,300 (SUV)
Jabalpur → Pench
- Distance: ~200 km
- Time: 4.5–5 hrs
- Popular with travellers combining Kanha + Pench.
Nearest Railway Stations
| Station | Distance | Notes |
| Seoni Railway Station | 30–40 km | Closest but fewer direct trains |
| Nagpur Junction | 90–110 km | Best connectivity (Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, South India) |
How to Reach Pench from Mumbai / Delhi by Train
- Take any major train to Nagpur Junction
- Hire taxi to Pench (2–2.5 hrs)
Safari Booking in Pench
A. Madhya Pradesh Side (Core Zones)
Official Booking: forest.mponline.gov.in (MP Forest Department portal)
Zones available here:
- Turia
- Karmajhiri
- Jamtara
- Wolf Sanctuary (Buffer)
B. Maharashtra Side (Buffer Zones)
Official Booking: safaribooking.mahaforest.gov.in (Maharashtra Eco-Tourism)
Zones:
- Sillari
- Khursapar
- Paoni (UMRED connectivity)
- Night Safari Zones (seasonal)
Safari Timings
- Morning: 6:30 AM – 10:30 AM (varies by season)
- Evening: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM (varies by season)
- Night Safari: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM (selected Maharashtra buffers)
Safari Prices (Approximate)
MP CORE (Turia / Karmajhiri / Jamtara)
- Permit: INR 1,500–INR 2,500 per jeep
- Gypsy: INR 2,200–INR 3,000
- Guide Fee: INR 500
Total: INR 4,200–INR 6,000 per jeep (6 persons)
Maharashtra BUFFER (Sillari / Khursapar)
- Permit + Gypsy + Guide: INR 2,500–INR 4,000 per jeep
NIGHT SAFARI (Maharashtra)
- Cost: INR 4,000–INR 5,000 per jeep
Zones & Gates of Pench
Turia remains the most productive and most popular zone for big cats due to its open meadows, water sources, and movement of dominant tigers and tigresses.
1. Turia Gate (MP) — Best Overall
- Highest tiger sighting probability
- Most resorts in the vicinity
- Home territory of Collarwali’s lineage
- Excellent for first-time visitors
2. Khursapar Gate (Maharashtra) — Quiet & Rewarding
- Excellent sightings historically
- Lesser vehicle pressure
- Lush teak forest
- Accessible from Nagpur
(Note: Khursapar occasionally undergoes temporary management closures)
3. Sillari Gate (Maharashtra) — Great for Scenic Safaris
- Beautiful forest drives
- Good herbivore & birding density
- Well-maintained routes
- Ideal for photographers
Other Well-Known Entry Gates
- Karmajhiri (MP): Dense and serene; good for exclusive sightings
- Jamtara (MP): Remote & premium; top for serious wildlife travellers
- Rukhad / Teliya (Buffer): Good for last-minute safaris
Pench Jungle Book Connection
Pench’s landscapes match Sir Rudyard Kipling’s Seeonee Hills described in The Jungle Book. Naturalist R.A. Sterndale’s 19th-century wildlife accounts of the region heavily influenced Kipling’s worldbuilding, making Pench the real-life setting for Mowgli’s adventures.
Best Time to Visit Pench National Park (2025)
| Season | Months | What to Expect |
| Winter | Nov–Feb | Pleasant (8–25°C), best for landscapes & birding |
| Spring | Feb–Mar | Balanced weather, rising sightings |
| Summer | Apr–June | Best for tiger sightings; higher temperatures |
| Monsoon | July–Sept | Park Closed (Core Zones) |
Best Time for Tiger Sightings:
March to Early June
Pench Weather by Month
- October: Reopens; green forests; decent sightings
- November–January: Cool, crisp mornings; excellent birding
- February–March: Ideal balance of comfort + sightings
- April–May: High visibility and peak predator movement
- June: Good till mid-June, very hot
- July–Sept: Monsoon closure
Where to Stay — Best Safari Lodges (2025)
Around Turia Gate, travellers will find the widest range of safari lodges. Taj Baghvan is the most luxurious choice, offering elegant cottages and top-tier hospitality. Pench Jungle Camp and Tathastu Resort provide premium comfort with large rooms, good food, and close proximity to the gate. For mid-high budgets, Village Machaan is popular for its elevated cottages and peaceful ambience. WelcomHeritage Jungle Home suits guests seeking comfortable mid-range stays with reliable service. Travellers on a moderate budget often pick Olive Resort, while Mowgli’s Den remains a dependable and affordable option for backpackers and families.
Near Sillari Gate on the Maharashtra side, safari lodges are quieter and more nature-focused. Olive Resort Sillari offers good value and easy gate access. Peacock Feather Resort is known for its rustic charm and greenery. Khawasa Eco-Lodges appeals to slow travellers who prefer minimal crowds and a forest-immersed experience.
Pench Wildlife Checklist
Pench is rich in wildlife, making every safari unpredictable and exciting. The reserve is home to the Bengal tiger, the star attraction, along with the elusive leopard, which is often seen in rocky patches and dense foliage. The park also shelters the endangered Indian wild dog (dhole), which moves in coordinated packs. Sloth bears, gaur, and multiple deer species – including sambar, chital, and barking deer – are commonly sighted across zones. Smaller mammals like civets, jackals, and porcupines also thrive here and often appear during early-morning or late-evening drives.
Birdlife is equally impressive, with 300+ species recorded. Keen birders can spot the striking Malabar pied hornbill, the colourful Indian pitta, the agile crested serpent eagle, and the shy grey junglefowl. The park’s mix of woodland, grassland, and water bodies makes it one of central India’s best birding landscapes.
Safari Do’s & Don’ts for Tourists
Visitors should keep their ID proof ready at the gate and wear earthy or muted colours that blend with the forest. Silence inside the jeep ensures better sightings and minimally disturbs wildlife. Listening to the guide and naturalist is essential for safety. During peak months, it is wise to book safaris at least 30 days in advance to secure preferred zones.
Tourists must avoid standing up suddenly during sightings, as it can alarm animals. Flash photography is prohibited. Littering, playing music, or shouting inside the forest strictly harms the ecosystem and should be avoided at all times. Respectful behaviour helps preserve Pench’s fragile environment.
Collarwali — The Legendary Tigress of Pench
The most celebrated tigress of Pench, Collarwali, officially known as T-15, became a symbol of successful tiger conservation. Fondly called Mataram or the Supermom of Pench, she lived from around 2005 to 2022 and raised an unprecedented 29 cubs, as documented by the MP Forest Department. Her legacy continues through her numerous descendants, many of whom still roam the Turia–Karmajhiri landscape today, making Pench one of India’s most rewarding tiger reserves for sightings.
Summing Up
Pench National Park offers India’s most reliable tiger sightings, scenic teak forests, and rich Jungle Book history. With easy access from Nagpur, excellent safari zones – especially Turia – and quality stay options, it’s ideal for first-time and seasoned wildlife travellers alike. Plan early, choose the right gate, and enjoy unforgettable safaris.
